April 7, 2009 - International Paper will close its Auburndale corrugated box plant in Florida and lay off 96 employees by the end of June, according to a local news report

IP said the economy is partially to blame, but in addition the company currently has too much capacity in the area with others plants nearby in Lake Wales and Hillsborough County.

"Other area facilities are better positioned to handle the production requirements that will be necessary as we consolidate our operations, and unfortunately, that led to the decision to close this plant," said Mark Bullard, general manager of the Auburndale plant, in a prepared statement.

The Auburndale facility opened in 1958 and produced 790 million square feet of corrugated packaging each year, serving clients in the food, beverage and agricultural industries.

Spokeswoman Amy Sawyer said IP has no plans to close the Lake Wales plant or the two in Hillsborough.

Sawyer said the company would consider transferring Auburndale employees to other sites, but she couldn't provide specifics.